Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Tonke Basecamp: Most robust, self-sufficient, and luxurious VW Transporter camper van arriving in May

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It hasn’t even been 24 hours since I reported on the new Sprinter 144 AWD–based, highly versatile Vanspeed Album camper van, and already another high-quality Volkswagen camper van is knocking at the door. This one is being transformed in the workshops of Dutch converter Tonke and is aptly called the Basecamp, which should be with us any time next month, if the camper van’s webpage on Tonke’s website is anything to go by.

If all goes as planned, Tonke is likely to launch the Basecamp, its most robust, self-sufficient, and luxurious camper van, in May 2026. The adventure vehicle perceived will be based on the latest generation Volkswagen Transporter with a well-thought-out interior, enhanced by underfloor insulation, off-grid power systems, and the structural integrity to go where life takes you.

Designer: Tonke

Basecamp will be a pop-top camper van, the Tonke notes on its website. With sleeping and daytime sitting accommodation for four people, the camper van will be equipped with a spacious kitchen, toilet, shower, and storage for longer trips. Of course, being based on the VW Transporter, the van will be offered with a choice of three powertrains, depending on buyers’ travel needs and carbon footprint preferences.

“Tonke Basecamp will be available as a hybrid camper, an electric camper, and as a traditional diesel variant. In addition, there will be a powerful 4×4 version.” Buyers can go with an all-electric Basecamp camper van version for the zero-emissions adventure, or the hybrid variant would allow “smooth and quiet electric drive,” with the assurance of extended range as compared to a combustion engine. The regular diesel powertrain will provide maximum towing capacity and endurance for longer journeys.

Irrespective of the powertrain you choose, Basecamp will provide a customized Volkswagen Transporter “hand-built to Tonke’s quality standards.” The pop-up roof Basecamp is confirmed as a four-person sleeper, with a 91 x 47-inch bed in the pop-out and a convertible 79 x 39-inch bed in the lower section. The cabin will function as a lounge area during the day with an extendable dining table and a lounge area for four people.

A smartly designed Volkswagen Transporter Basecamp camper van will, Tonke notes, “comfort level of a large Mercedes Sprinter camper.” To that accord, it will embed a spacious kitchen with a 60L water tank, a 16L boiler for hot water supply, and an 80L refrigerator. There are no other details about the kitchen setup at the time of writing. But we learn that the van will have a wet both complete with a shower and a toilet.

What’s really interesting is the fact that the Basecamp will be provided with an underfloor heating system, preparing the camper van for all-season comfort. The entire package is likely to arrive in May for a starting price of €50,668 (approximately $60,000).

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Vanspeed Album camper van with Murphy bed and versatile lounge is designed to go where you need it

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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter camper vans are built for those who want adventure without sacrificing comfort. Taking cues from the Sprinter’s exterior and thriving on its base, California-based Vanspeed has been designing camper vans focused on multifunctional performance. A standout example is the all-new Album camper van.

Built atop a Sprinter 144 AWD, it offers an ideal blend of convenience and luxury, making it ready to go wherever you need it. The Vanspeed camper van strips off any fancy exterior addons, keeping the body simple and clean. Only visible addition to the body is the roof ladder on the driver’s side to access the full-length rooftop rack.

Designer: Vanspeed https://www.vanspeedshop.com

Other than the minimalist exterior, there is nothing casual about the Album camper van. It is a fine embodiment of what a functional camper van interior should be. Ready for off-road adventure, the multipurpose interior of the camper is defined by its Murphy bed and partially or fully removable seating, which opens up the center aisle for cargo or adventure equipment, such as your bicycles or surfboard.

Despite the functionality, the interior with wood-style paneling throughout is warm and inviting. The folding bed stacks up against the driver’s sidewall, freeing up space for daytime convenience. You can use the L-shaped seating for relaxing, or pull down the hidden swivel table (from the cabinet just opposite) and use it as a workstation or for dining. In the pictures, you will notice only a bench seat, however, the seating is completed with a detachable crosspiece sofa, creating the complete L-shaped sofa lounge.

At nighttime, you can conveniently fold down the Murphy bed to create a comfortable platform measuring 80 inches (203 cm) long. It can sleep two people and sit stably on its own foundational supports on the sidewalls, without disturbing the cabinetry and lounge setting underneath. While all this is happening toward the rear of the camper van, up ahead, approachable from the side entry is the kitchenette. The counter is provided with a single-burner portable induction cooktop, and a fridge finds a place underneath the kitchen block. For the convenience of daytime campers, the kitchen includes a countertop that extends for outdoor cooking.

Alongside is another multifunctional space: The wet bathroom, which doubles as a storage cabinet. The bathroom is provided with a shower and a removable portable toilet with flippable shelves for storage. The camper van is powered by a lithium battery to render it usable for stays longer than a weekend. If you’re interested, the Vanspeed Album is priced at $219,000.

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This air-powered desk clock with stopwatch function is a work of genius

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Something is intriguing about novelty clocks that refreshes the age-old timekeeping approach. The unique mechanism at the heart of these timepieces makes them desirable, especially for those who value time above all else. YouTuber soiboi soft from Germany loves working with pneumatic principles, creating some really interesting things never seen before.

This time around, the ingenious inventor has crafted an air-powered desk clock that works on the same principles of compressing air to control the display membrane. While that might sound a little too technical for some, the idea is to change the appearance on the surface of the flexible clock membrane to display the current time. That is simply cool, and who wouldn’t want to have this desk clock grace their geeky setup?

Designer: soiboi soft

Building the four-digit display of the Air Powered Segment Clock begins by crafting the custom parts using 3D printing. The next task is to carefully connect the vacuum lines to the complex mechanism so that it can pull the flexible membrane to create the dent representing the luminous bars, just like a digital clock. Even when the signal is turned off from the backend, the shape holds still until the next command to turn it off is initiated. As soon as the command to release the vacuum pressure is initiated, the membrane returns to its flat position.

The combination of these seven memory cells (as he calls them) forms a single digit representation. Based on the digit to be displayed, the memory cells are in an on or off position, thereby displaying the whole digit. This whole display array is a combination of four such digits, and based on the microcontroller programming and the complex software input, they magically suck-in to create the digit on the membrane. Dots in the middle appear every time a number is changed to represent the seconds, minutes, and hours.

The basic architecture of the Air Powered Segment Clock is similar to how a RAM functions, storing values in specific locations courtesy of the data and address lines.  When the hardware and software trickery to display the time come into unison, the DIY desk clock comes alive. Going a step further, the DIYer adds a stopwatch function to the clock, because why not? Frankly, this is one of the best DIY creations I’ve seen in a long time. I bet every one of you out there is wishing this project turns into a buyable novelty clock someday. Imagine adding this to your workstation, gaming setup, or simply sporting on the living room shelf!

The post This air-powered desk clock with stopwatch function is a work of genius first appeared on Yanko Design.

This air-powered desk clock with stopwatch function is a work of genius

Posted on by

Something is intriguing about novelty clocks that refreshes the age-old timekeeping approach. The unique mechanism at the heart of these timepieces makes them desirable, especially for those who value time above all else. YouTuber soiboi soft from Germany loves working with pneumatic principles, creating some really interesting things never seen before.

This time around, the ingenious inventor has crafted an air-powered desk clock that works on the same principles of compressing air to control the display membrane. While that might sound a little too technical for some, the idea is to change the appearance on the surface of the flexible clock membrane to display the current time. That is simply cool, and who wouldn’t want to have this desk clock grace their geeky setup?

Designer: soiboi soft

Building the four-digit display of the Air Powered Segment Clock begins by crafting the custom parts using 3D printing. The next task is to carefully connect the vacuum lines to the complex mechanism so that it can pull the flexible membrane to create the dent representing the luminous bars, just like a digital clock. Even when the signal is turned off from the backend, the shape holds still until the next command to turn it off is initiated. As soon as the command to release the vacuum pressure is initiated, the membrane returns to its flat position.

The combination of these seven memory cells (as he calls them) forms a single digit representation. Based on the digit to be displayed, the memory cells are in an on or off position, thereby displaying the whole digit. This whole display array is a combination of four such digits, and based on the microcontroller programming and the complex software input, they magically suck-in to create the digit on the membrane. Dots in the middle appear every time a number is changed to represent the seconds, minutes, and hours.

The basic architecture of the Air Powered Segment Clock is similar to how a RAM functions, storing values in specific locations courtesy of the data and address lines.  When the hardware and software trickery to display the time come into unison, the DIY desk clock comes alive. Going a step further, the DIYer adds a stopwatch function to the clock, because why not? Frankly, this is one of the best DIY creations I’ve seen in a long time. I bet every one of you out there is wishing this project turns into a buyable novelty clock someday. Imagine adding this to your workstation, gaming setup, or simply sporting on the living room shelf!

The post This air-powered desk clock with stopwatch function is a work of genius first appeared on Yanko Design.

Segway Muxi is a compact cargo e-bike that carries more style than bulk

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Segway has rarely been a brand that plays it safe, and the Muxi feels like a natural extension of that design-forward thinking. The ebike is designed with an approach that prioritizes not just function, but the emotional appeal of everyday mobility. In a space where cargo e-bikes often lean toward bulky, utilitarian silhouettes, Muxi refreshes the landscape with a sense of restraint, blending compact proportions with a personality that feels closer to a lifestyle product than a workhorse.

First introduced at CES 2026, the Muxi is Segway’s first short-tail utility e-bike, designed to deliver cargo-ready practicality without the visual and physical heft of traditional long-tail alternatives. It supports a total payload of up to 418 pounds, making it capable of handling groceries, gear, or even a passenger when paired with optional accessories like a child kit.

Designer: Segway

The step-through frame keeps things accessible, while integrated storage solutions within the frame add a layer of thoughtful convenience that aligns with its everyday usability. Powering the bike is a 750W rear hub motor producing around 80 Nm of torque, paired with a 48V, 716Wh battery. This combination enables a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge, giving it enough endurance for extended urban commutes or weekend errands. Riders can switch between Class 1 and Class 2 modes depending on their preference, allowing the Muxi to adapt to different riding scenarios without compromising on control or efficiency.

Muxi’s feature set leans heavily into safety and connectivity, reinforcing Segway’s push toward smarter mobility solutions. Hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent stopping power, while integrated lighting with turn signals improves visibility in traffic. The inclusion of Segway’s Intelligent Ride System adds a connected layer to the experience, with features like Apple Find My compatibility, AirLock proximity unlocking, and a Lost Mode that can disable the bike remotely if it’s misplaced or stolen. These additions move the ebike beyond the realm of a conventional e-bike, positioning it as part of a broader ecosystem of intelligent transport.

Design remains at the core of its unrelenting appeal, with the 20 x 3-inch tires striking a balance between stability and comfort. Particularly when carrying additional load, while the overall geometry keeps the ride approachable despite the bike’s roughly 73-pound weight. Visually, it walks a fine line between cruiser and utility machine, resulting in a form that feels both functional and expressive, which is an uncommon combination in this niche.

Priced at $1,699.99, the Segway Muxi is positioned as an accessible yet well-equipped option for urban riders who want versatility without compromise. It doesn’t attempt to replace full-sized cargo bikes, but instead redefines what a compact utility e-bike can be. The two-wheeler is everything you need in a practical, connected, and distinctly designed electric commuter that fits your modern city life.

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Segway Muxi is a compact cargo e-bike that carries more style than bulk

Posted on by

Segway has rarely been a brand that plays it safe, and the Muxi feels like a natural extension of that design-forward thinking. The ebike is designed with an approach that prioritizes not just function, but the emotional appeal of everyday mobility. In a space where cargo e-bikes often lean toward bulky, utilitarian silhouettes, Muxi refreshes the landscape with a sense of restraint, blending compact proportions with a personality that feels closer to a lifestyle product than a workhorse.

First introduced at CES 2026, the Muxi is Segway’s first short-tail utility e-bike, designed to deliver cargo-ready practicality without the visual and physical heft of traditional long-tail alternatives. It supports a total payload of up to 418 pounds, making it capable of handling groceries, gear, or even a passenger when paired with optional accessories like a child kit.

Designer: Segway

The step-through frame keeps things accessible, while integrated storage solutions within the frame add a layer of thoughtful convenience that aligns with its everyday usability. Powering the bike is a 750W rear hub motor producing around 80 Nm of torque, paired with a 48V, 716Wh battery. This combination enables a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge, giving it enough endurance for extended urban commutes or weekend errands. Riders can switch between Class 1 and Class 2 modes depending on their preference, allowing the Muxi to adapt to different riding scenarios without compromising on control or efficiency.

Muxi’s feature set leans heavily into safety and connectivity, reinforcing Segway’s push toward smarter mobility solutions. Hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent stopping power, while integrated lighting with turn signals improves visibility in traffic. The inclusion of Segway’s Intelligent Ride System adds a connected layer to the experience, with features like Apple Find My compatibility, AirLock proximity unlocking, and a Lost Mode that can disable the bike remotely if it’s misplaced or stolen. These additions move the ebike beyond the realm of a conventional e-bike, positioning it as part of a broader ecosystem of intelligent transport.

Design remains at the core of its unrelenting appeal, with the 20 x 3-inch tires striking a balance between stability and comfort. Particularly when carrying additional load, while the overall geometry keeps the ride approachable despite the bike’s roughly 73-pound weight. Visually, it walks a fine line between cruiser and utility machine, resulting in a form that feels both functional and expressive, which is an uncommon combination in this niche.

Priced at $1,699.99, the Segway Muxi is positioned as an accessible yet well-equipped option for urban riders who want versatility without compromise. It doesn’t attempt to replace full-sized cargo bikes, but instead redefines what a compact utility e-bike can be. The two-wheeler is everything you need in a practical, connected, and distinctly designed electric commuter that fits your modern city life.

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ONEXPLAYER X2 Mini is a power-packed compact PC, tablet and handheld in one

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We’ve been ranting all year long about the rise of the handhelds and the choices spread across a wide spectrum. This diversity is attributed to many variables, including the use case, the genres of games the device is expected to play, and, most importantly, the price segment a gamer is looking at.

ONE-NOTEBOOK has more often than not shown what a premium gaming rig or a powerhouse handheld is supposed to be like, going beyond the utility of simply enjoying your favorite titles. The ONEXPLAYER  G1 laptop, the ONEXPLAYER  X1 tablet hybrid, and the ONEXPLAYER  Youxia X1 Pro EVA Limited Edition handheld gaming PC proved it all right.

Designer: ONE-NETBOOK

The Shenzhen-based electronics company is back with another powerhouse gadget that should solve your gaming, work, and entertainment needs. ONEXPLAYER  X2 Mini is the latest teased handheld by ONE-NETBOOK, and it packs some real power for playing AAA titles. Despite the “Mini” in its namesake, the device features a slightly larger 8.8-inch OLED screen compared to the Apex handheld’s 8-inch display shown off at CES 2026. The display supports VRR and HDR modes, along with the superior 144 Hz variable refresh rate for demanding titles. This pits it directly in competition with the Lenovo Legion Go 2.

Powering the guts of the handheld is the power-packed AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, and there is no word yet about the RAM or storage on the gaming device. The beefy processor with 16 Zen 5 CPU cores is mated to the Radeon 8060S integrated GPU. That kind of hardware requires active cooling, and ONE-NETBOOK has an optional external water cooling pack in the mix. That amount of processing power can be overkill for a handheld, but it makes sense since the device doubles as a potent mini laptop. The screen is completely detachable and connects to a magnetic backlit keyboard for your work routines on the go.

To power the demanding machine, they’ve decided to go with a user-detachable 85W battery to make swaps quick, in case you want to extend your gaming sessions on a long flight. The detachable controller has swappable face buttons (with micro-switches), a capacitive joystick, casing, and a vibration motor for haptic feedback. Thus, making the handheld mini PC easy to replace with new components. D-pad will also be user configurable in two options – the standard cross version, or the octagonal setup similar to the Xbox Series Elite controller. For better control in-game, the two-stage analogue trigger provides micromovement and linear freedom in switching. The controllers can be connected to the independent wireless connection base, which turns them into a capacitive touchpad for mouse-level precision while working.

ONEXPLAYER  X2 Mini will likely have 128GB of storage and ultra-fast LPDDR5X RAM to go with the Strix Halo APU, which should put it flush in the premium handheld category. That should carry a premium price as well, somewhere around $4,000 or more. Add the price of accessories to that, and you have a handheld-PC hybrid poised to attract power gamers and users who have always wanted a modular device for multi-functional needs.

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ANBERNIC RG Rotate handheld with swivelling display doubles as a music player

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Handheld gaming has just exploded in the last year or so with players like Ayaneo, Analouge, ANBERNIC and Retroid catching the pulse of handheld gamers. There’s one for every type of gamer, whether someone who likes things arcade, retro modern, or a demanding nerd who wants to have a compact console to play AAA titles.

ANBERNIC has been in the news lately due to their rumoured handheld with a rotating screen, and now things are official. Their next retro gaming handheld, called RG Rotate, looks somewhat like the Motorola FlipOut phone, which was released way back in mid-2010. The idea here is to emulate classic console titles and also double as a music player since the device can play MP3 files.

Designer: ANBERNIC

Building on the success of the RG Slide and the exciting prospect of the RG DS, the brand was confident enough to introduce a rotating-screen handheld to its gaming community. The result is an Android handheld that is compact enough to fit in a pocket yet powerful enough to play demanding arcade classics without breaking a sweat. This device has a peculiar pivoting square display that hides the D-pad and the buttons.

This rotating action relies on the proprietary ultra-thin alloy hinge mechanism, which should be durable enough to take on the constant movement that gamers are going to put it through. After all, it has gone through high durability testing, even though it was an engineering challenge for the brand. The confidence of a successful hinge mechanism and the constant movement on the RG DS should have brought enough input to go with this form factor.

The RG Rotate comes with swappable in-line L2 and R2 buttons to toggle the height of the shoulder buttons as per liking. This handheld also comes with a single USB-C port and a microSD card, but surprisingly, it doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack, given that it has built-in capability to play MP3 files. The only option left is to play music via the Type-C port. The aluminium screen frame handheld comes in two color options: Polar Black and Aurora Silver, which both have different body builds. One has an aluminum body frame, while the other has an ABS plastic body.

There is no word yet about the pricing or the availability of the rotating screen handheld. Also, there is no confirmation whether the two different body frame options will be released together or at different times.

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Rolls-Royce Project Nightingale reimagines the electric convertible as a coachbuild work of art

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There’s a certain quiet confidence that defines modern Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; a refusal to chase trends, instead shaping them with deliberate restraint. With Project Nightingale, that philosophy evolves into something far more expressive: an ultra-exclusive, all-electric coachbuilt convertible that doesn’t just reinterpret luxury, but stretches its very boundaries.

Unveiled as the first chapter in the marque’s new Coachbuild Collection, Project Nightingale is conceived as a “production concept” reserved for the brand’s most discerning patrons. Limited to just 100 units worldwide and available strictly by invitation, the car embodies a return to Rolls-Royce’s deeply personal, commission-led heritage while formalizing it into a curated series of collectible creations.

Designer: Rolls-Royce

At nearly 18.9 feet long (comparable to the Phantom), this is no conventional roadster. Its grand proportions house a two-seat, open-top configuration that merges the theatrical presence of pre-war experimental models with the silence of a modern electric drivetrain. The design draws heavily from the brand’s 1920s ‘EX’ prototypes, channeling the audacity of that era through a Streamline Moderne aesthetic defined by uninterrupted surfaces, elongated forms, and a sense of monolithic elegance.

The exterior is both familiar and radically new. A nearly one-meter-wide Pantheon grille (its widest ever) features 24 vertical slats, flanked by slim vertical headlamps that depart from Rolls-Royce’s traditional horizontal layout. Massive 24-inch wheels, the largest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce, adopt a yacht-inspired propeller design, reinforcing the car’s fluid, maritime-inspired character. Along the sides, a singular “hull” line runs uninterrupted from front to rear, culminating in a tapered, almost torpedo-like tail that subtly hints at speed despite the car’s imposing scale.

Inside, the experience is equally theatrical but deeply considered. Inspired by the French Riviera, specifically Sir Henry Royce’s Côte d’Azur residence, Le Rossignol, the cabin blends blue and white tones with delicate pink accents. A standout feature is the “Starlight Breeze” suite, composed of over 10,500 individual lighting elements that trace the soundwave patterns of a nightingale’s song, enveloping occupants in an ambient, almost musical glow. The interior architecture remains tactile and analog at its core, with physical controls, open-pore wood finishes, and a motorized armrest that reveals hidden compartments and controls in a choreographed sequence.

Mechanically, Project Nightingale is underpinned by Rolls-Royce’s “Architecture of Luxury” platform and powered exclusively by an all-electric drivetrain, delivering what the brand describes as a uniquely serene open-top experience. While exact performance figures remain undisclosed, the emphasis is less on outright speed and more on effortless, near-silent propulsion, an approach that aligns with the marque’s evolving electric vision.

Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Chris Brownridge said, ‘We responded by bringing three things together that have never coexisted within our brand: the complete design freedom of coachbuilding, our powerful, near-silent all-electric powertrain, and a uniquely potent yet serene expression of open-top motoring – an experience that only this technology makes possible.’

With deliveries expected from 2028, Project Nightingale is both a tribute to the brand’s experimental past and a marker of its electric future. Getting your hands on this baby, however, is going to be elusive since it is limited to a very small number.

 

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adidas Originals’ Two Ring watch shrinks digital timekeeping into a minimalist retro-modern timepiece

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Smartphones have shrunk to the size of a wrist, and now smartwatches are beginning to appear on the fingers. Some of the better names in the industry have already tried ring watches. Casio did so with the Ring Watch CRW-001-1JR, and Timex collaborated with Beams on the Beams Boy x Timex Original Camper Ring Watch. Now it’s adidas Originals, which is expanding its athletic heritage to the jewelry and fashion industry with the new Digital Two Ring.

The timepiece is created under the Timex license, so in many ways, this miniature watch sits at the intersection of both brands’ identities. That partnership isn’t new, as Timex has long produced adidas timepieces, translating the sportswear giant’s aesthetic into accessible watches that balance function and street-ready styling.

Designer: adidas

What defines the Digital Two Ring is its intentional minimalism, which is to be worn on the ring. The interface strips away everything non-essential, focusing entirely on a highly legible digital display, punctuated only by the iconic Trefoil logo. There are no extra graphics or complications: just time, presented clearly. This clarity is amplified by the display layout, which is deliberately large and easy to read despite the compact form.

The design itself leans into a bold, industrial aesthetic. Built around a 20mm stainless steel case, the ring emphasizes a clean yet edgy metal texture that feels both contemporary and slightly retro. Despite its miniature proportions, it carries a surprising visual weight, giving it a strong sense of individuality. The absence of decorative elements further enhances its understated, almost architectural presence.

Functionally, the watch keeps things straightforward. It runs on a digital quartz movement and offers 3 ATM water resistance, enough for daily wear and light exposure, reinforcing its role as a practical yet style-forward accessory. The construction includes a stainless steel expansion band, designed to flex like a spring. This allows it to fit multiple fingers comfortably, starting from approximately size 11, while maintaining a secure, stress-free fit.

The Digital Two Ring arrives on April 17 in two metallic finishes that further position it as jewelry as much as a timepiece. The gold variant leans into statement styling, adding a subtle sense of luxury that pairs easily with other accessories. The silver version, on the other hand, offers a calmer, more understated tone, making it versatile enough for everyday wear across different outfits and occasions. The ring watch is expected to retail around the $125, placing it firmly in the accessible fashion accessory category rather than the high-end watch segment.

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